Archive for January, 2011

A weak cold front moved through overnight and we are now in a relatively seasonal air mass. Temperatures should peak out around 48 which is basically where they should be in late January here in Hampton Roads. All attention is turning to what could be a major storm for parts of the nation this upcoming week. There is a big difference in this storm’s expected track from the previous storms this season that will make a world of difference to the weather here in Hampton Roads and to areas to our north that have received so much snowfall this winter. The storm is expected to track well northwest of our region which means that it will pull in milder air from the south and southeast. The forecast high temperature for Wednesday is 67 degrees! So, we obviously don’t have to worry about frozen precipitation with this system and if the current forecast track holds true, even the big cities in the Northeast may see mostly rain from this storm. (Boston, MA might not be as lucky, however). There could still be changes in the forecast so stay tuned.

Backing up to today (Sunday), we’ll see a mix of clouds and sun. Monday, we should see more cloudiness. The chance of rain ramps up later Tuesday into Tuesday night. Things could get interesting next weekend as there may be another East Coast storm that brings wintry precipitation to areas that have already seen so much snow this season and areas further south. That’s far out in the future so we’ll have to see how things unfold with that potential system. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

This past week brought heavy rain to Hampton Roads and another crippling snowstorm to parts of the Northern Mid-Atlantic States and the Northeast. In my backyard, almost an inch and a half of rain fell from that mid-week storm system. From D.C. through New England, it was snow and there was a lot of it, more than what was expected by most forecasters. New York City received 19 inches and it fell in a very short period of time. I heard reports of snowfall rates were nearly 3 inches per hour, which contributed to lightning and thunder. Many cities up there are well above normal in total snowfall and we have plenty of winter to go. For us here in Hampton Roads, we have a fairly nice weekend to enjoy before the next wet weather system moves our way. Temperatures on Saturday should be around 50 and Sunday will be a little cooler. A weak cold front will pass through the area Saturday night with no significant precipitation expected here locally. I’ll have more details on the storm system that should bring us a decent shot of rain Tuesday and/or Wednesday in my Sunday morning post. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Sunday will be another very chilly day here in Hampton Roads despite ample sunshine. Winds shouldn’t be a major factor, however. The low pressure area that skirted the coast o the Carolina’s brought some snow to the Southern Outer Banks late on Saturday. That storm has moved out to sea. Monday should be another dry and chilly day. The next system that is forecast to affect our region is expected to cause an increase in clouds Monday night. A low pressure system is expected to move up the coast spreading moderate to possibly heavy precipitation in our direction later Tuesday into Wednesday. The exact timing of the onset of the precipitation isn’t certain as of yet, but right now, forecasters believe that we will only receive rain from this system due to milder air being drawn in from off of the ocean. The exact track of this system will determine how much precipitation we receive and what form it will be in areas to our west and north. If you are traveling to the north and west over the next few days, make sure you pay attention to the forecast as some parts of the Northeast may see a significant snowstorm. Right now, forecasters believe that some of the major cities of the Northeast will escape the heaviest snow due to a changeover to rain, BUT THAT CAN CHANGE! After this storm goes by, it appears that temperatures will be seasonable for the remainder of the week.

Saturday will be a frigid day as the arctic air mass that brought actual low temperatures in northern Minnesota down into the minus forties moved into the region overnight. Of course, the air mass has modified but we will still be well below normal. Temperatures probably won’t rise much above the freezing point on Saturday. A low pressure system is expected to develop off the Southeast Coast and this may bring a little light snow to the Outer Banks later today. No snow is expected here locally from this system. The low pressure area will move offshore so Sunday should be dry and chilly. Attention then turns to what could be a major storm system during the mid-week period. It’s a bit too early to nail down all of the details with this system, but models are indicating that we will see mostly a rain event. For the northern Appalachian mountains, a significant snow event could be shaping up. The I-95 corridor of the northeast should see a snow/rain mix possibly turning to all rain there. The track of this low will probably pull in milder air from off of the ocean. I’ll have an update on Sunday.

A developing storm system from the Gulf States will track northeastward bringing a potential good soaking to Hampton Roads Monday night and early Tuesday. Winds will increase but are not expected to be a major factor during this event. Out to our north and west, ice, sleet and snow are possible so if you are traveling, make sure you are prepared. Temperatures here in Hampton Roads should be warm enough for an all liquid precipitation event. The rain will end on Tuesday. Mild weather is expected through Wednesday. Then, the forecast gets complicated. The computer models diverge in their solutions for later this week. Some paint a very cold and possibly snowy picture for some parts of the Mid-Atlantic States. Some models indicate a slightly milder solution. Forecasters had indicated that we were going to see the coldest air mass of the season so far arriving here next weekend. Climatologically, the coldest time of year on average is approaching. The late January time frame is historically the coldest period of the year for Hampton Roads. The way the pattern is shaping up, that will probably hold true for this year…. It’s amazing what the current La Nina is causing throughout the Southern Hemisphere… floods in Australia and Brazil are a direct result of the La Nina. Many are homeless due to the floods and landslides. Even here in the U.S. heavy rain in the Pacific Northwest is causing mud-slides. That’s it for now. Remember to drive safe on Monday night and Tuesday and keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.